Fire -- Generator Building
Effective Date: 10/18/1978
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 077
October 18, 1978
OCS Operations Safety Alert
Fire -- Generator Building
A fire recently occurred in the generator building of an offshore production platform. The fire was caused by oil and gas which backed up through a malfunctioning check valve in the generator drip pan drain. A surge in the sump system was created when a compressor shut down and vented to the flare scrubber. Fluid under pressure from the scrubber dumped into a common sump line into which the generator drip pans are connected. The fluid sprayed onto the operator engine generator unit and ignited. The building interior, the generator and some associated electrical equipment were damaged.
To prevent a recurrence of this type of accident, the operator has taken the following actions:
1. The flare scrubber fluid will be dumped into an atmospheric vessel to allow entrained gas to escape safely, prior to gravity drain into the sump.
2. The check valve in the drain line for the generator building was replaced, and the valve will be checked for proper operation at regular intervals.
[signed] D.W. Solanas
Oil and Gas Supervisor
Operations Support
Gulf of Mexico Area